CARABIDAE - GROUND BEETLES
Carabids are largely terrestrial beetles that generally run rapidly but fly poorly. It is the largest of the beetle families in the suborder Adephaga consisting of between 20 and 30,000 described species. Many species are black, but metallic colouration is common in the family and the wing cases are frequently ribbed or striated. The antennae are usually filiform and the mandibles are powerful. In general they are predators of other insects and act to control pest populations. Some species are capable of producing unpleasant substances as a defence against predators. Most species are nocturnal, but the Tiger Beetles of the subfamily Cicindelinae are diurnal.
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Thanks to Rob Westerduijn for identifying the images on this page.
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Photographs on this page were taken by Pier Cacialli are used with their permission.
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